'Justice for Cliffie' shirts barred at Raymond Stacey trial

A St. John's judge has ruled that T-shirts about the stabbing victim in a second-degree murder trial cannot be openly worn in court.

Raymond Stacey is accused of stabbing co-worker Clifford Comerford in January. Comerford's family has been wearing T-shirts with his face and the words "Justice for Cliffie" during hearings.

In provincial court Friday, defence lawyer Bob Buckingham argued the T-shirts are an attempt to influence potential witnesses, and that they are a form of a demonstration.

Buckingham said the shirts should not be allowed inside or around the court during his client's preliminary inquiry, which is scheduled to begin next Friday.

Crown prosecutor Shawn Patten argued that the family has worn the shirts out of sympathy for a lost loved one, and that the issue is a matter of openness in the court system.

Patten argued Buckingham did not show how the T-shirts would disrupt court proceedings.

But Judge Lois Skanes sided with Buckingham, at least in part.

She noted that the shirts say "Justice for Cliffie," rather than "Cliffie Rest In Peace." 

Skanes said wearing them constitutes a demonstration, which is not allowed in court, and found that they are meant to influence.

However, Skanes did not ban the shirts entirely. She said if someone wears one in court, it has to be covered up.

She said no similar shirts or slogans can be seen inside the courtroom.

Skanes did not agree with Buckingham's request to have the shirts banned from other areas of the court complex.